Tess was awake before dawn – at the marginal minute of the dark when the grove is still mute, save for one prophetic bird who sings with a clear-voiced conviction that he at least knows the correct time of day, the rest preserving silence as if equally convinced that he is mistaken. Thomas Hardy
About This Quote

The narrator of this quote is describing the night in the early morning hours when all is still, while one individual awakens. The bird’s singing has a clarity about it that is unusual in nature. Instead of simply being out of rhythm with nature, the bird seems to have a sense that he understands what time it is. This is an example of how nature can convey information without having to make any noises.

Source: Tess Of The Durbervilles

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